Hari Om Parens,
Reminders:
The registration for the Bala Vihar Houses Contests are now open. Please encourage your child to participate and register with the links posted in the Parents WA Group.
Week 10 Update
Likhita Japa - Class began with the children writing 18 times - "Sri Krishna Sharanam Mama" / "Jai Sri Krishna", in their little blue notebooks.
Shlokas
Om chanting, Sahana vavatu, Vakratunda mahakaya, Saraswati namastubhyam, Guru Brahma, Maha Mrityunjaya shloka (My Prayers, pg 78) Krishnashtakam.(My Prayers pg 109).
We started to learn the Gita Panchamrit. We discussed Verse 1 meaning: "the mind is your friend and your enemy" and "one should lift oneself up, one should not lower oneself".
Here is a reference link for your child to practice with - Gita Panchamrit
Krishna Lila
After a quick recap, we continued with little Krishna's story.
The story of Dhenukasura Vadha. Balaram becomes a hero!
Deeper meaning - We spoke about how each asura stands for different vices. Putana for ignorance, Trinavarta for unchecked desire, Vatsasura for attachment, Bakasura for pretension.
Aghasura was a polluted mind and Dhenukasura stands for hoarding. The act of killing these asuras means the victory of Bhagwan over all vices. The kids agreed that only with Bhagwan's Grace, we can overcome them all.
Krishna is now 5 years old and is the darling of Vrindavan. Everyone loves little Krishna and we spoke about what qualities He possessed.
*Obedient and respectful of elders. Dutiful to parents.
*Cheerful and friendly towards his friends. Always sharing.
*Kind and caring of all living things. Gentle and protective of the animals.
Introspection Activity: What qualities do I have that make me lovable? What qualities can I develop to be a darling to all like Lord Krishna?
The children drew their right hand in their notebooks. Then all of them made a promise to Lord Krishna to improve themselves and wrote down the things they will do to be like Him.
They wrote - We love Krishna! We want to be like Krishna!
Next, all the children filled up a "Gratitude Jar". They wrote on slips of paper the things they are thankful for in 2025.
My 24 Teachers
Today's riddle: I am valuable, but do not come too close to me. If people do not see me for a few days, they get depressed. Who am I? Answer: Sun
Sage Dattatreya learns these lessons from the Sun - its reflection may be many, but still one Sun... just like Bhagwan.
The Sun will take but will give back, just as a wise man must give back what he takes from society.
The kids related very well with the Chinmaya Pledge of "giving more than what we take"!
We read the Rabindranath Tagore poem, Gitanjali, and pondered what we can gain by giving up everything. For example, like Gautama Buddha or Mahatma Gandhi.
If Bhagwan is in everyone, why think of "mine" and "others". Recognise the divinity in everyone, say "Namaste!" and "Hari Om!".
Gita Chanting
We learned verse 17 and 18 from Chapter 15 today (BV Handbook, pg 25). Remind your child to review the verses regularly.
Gita Playlist link to practice with your child : https://bit.ly/BGCh15Playlist
The session ended with Aari and the Pledge recitation in the Temple Hall.
Wish you all happy holidays and a happy new year!
- Rashmi Kuroodi and Aparna Prasad
Supplies needed for every class: My Prayers book, Bala Vihar Handbook, likhita japa blue notebook, pencils, coloring supplies. All in your child's Bala Vihar bag.
